Smokin' Hot Summer Tops

Now which one? Which one? I'll take THIS ONE...

Oh! and THIS ONE!...

...and THIS ONE too!...

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Might as well get 'em all. These awesome Retro Reproduction Summer tops come from Pin Up Girl Clothing. Where else?!

Check 'em out...

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Holly Tie Halter Top -This amazing new halter from Pinup Couture features a long attached contrast sash that can be tied either in front or in the back. The fabric is a super comfortable and stretchy cotton blend, lined in the bust, with an adjustable halter tie and elastic band at the back for great fit. Long enough to wear out or tucked in.

The Laura Top from Pinup Couture is made of a super comfy stretch jersey with gathers at the shoulders and cute little heart buttons. Long enough to tuck into your favorite skirt or jeans, or wear out.

The "Little Darlings" Stretch Poplin Polka Dot Top in Red - Adorable slim fitting stretch poplin blouse with short ruffled sleeves in polka dot print.
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Now that I am thoroughly pining away for these beauties.... I guess I'd better get workin' in order to afford them! Lol.
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Have yourself a great day!
~Danae aka 'Crafty'

The Icing On The Cake - Retro Hair Accessories

As women, we know that our hair is our crown... and never is that more true than when dressing in Retro or Rockabilly Fashions.
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During WWII, when rations on fabric, and budget restrictions often prevented women from indulging in new clothing; they turned to their best (and free-est) asset- their hair! Hair styles became the focus of the 'Everyday Womans' Fashion; inspired by the glamour girls of Old Hollywood. Woman curled, primped, and stacked their tresses into elaborate styles.
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In order to compensate for the exagerated Hair Do's up top- the lines of clothing began to change as well. This is when we saw the emergence of the super large shouder and 'Bullet Bra's'; set off by a tiny waist, and full hips. The 'Sweater Girl' look, made famous by Lana Turner became popular; as did the 'Woman's Suit', a la Joan Crawford- which echoed the mass entrance of women in the workplace.
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Nothing sets off this best feature better than a mane of healthy locks and beautfully curled tresses. But, as with anything... a little icing on the cake never hurts! This is where fabulous hair accesories come into play.
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Today's Retro Fabulous Women have many choices of 'hair jewelery' to glam up their Retro & Rockabilly Hairstyles. The most famous, of course, are hair flowers. Roses, Camellias and Orchids, of all colors, sizes and materials are found on today's retro savvy women. But these are just the tip of the iceberg. Hair Fascinators, Hats, Feathers, Bows, Jewels and Headbands can all be used to glam up your retro look. And I just love how today's designers have put their own spin on these hair fashions, by creating them with modern materials and in alternative styles.
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You can find them in a varitety of colors, with lace, glitter, fur, fun combinations of prints, and adorable embellishments.
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Check out a few of these Retro, Rockabilly and Psychobilly Hair Accesories that come to us from the LA based company- PinUp Girl Clothing. You can find them on their website, or for us 'crafty gals'- use them as inspiration to create our own. (Although, I have to admit that the ones at PinUp Girl Clothing are very reasonably priced! And they are handmade here in East LA by PinUp Couture.) And don't stop there! There are also a ton of wonderful, unique Retro Hair Accessories to be found on ETSY- all handmade by the many talented ETSY crafters & artisians.
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Happy browsing...
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- Small Juliet Hat with Feathers and Veil in Red (top photo) and White - This gorgeous vintage-style hat features feather accents and the perfect amount of netting to create a gorgeous veil. How perfect would this white version be for a Bridal Luncheon? Of course, you would HAVE to be the Bride... because in this little number- all eyes will definitely be on YOU!

- Red Rose Hair Flower - Pinup "Senorita" Rose Hair Flower with Rhinestone and Chiffon Petals by Pinup Couture Hair

-Yellow Sparkle Tiger Lily Hair Flower by Lila-Jo -Stunning glitter-encrusted large lily hair flower makes a beautiful statement with any retro look.-Burgundy and White Orchid Hair Clip from Pinup Couture hair -This fantastic silk hair orchid is sure to become a fast favorite, try two or more in complimentary colors for an absolutely gorgeous, unique look.

And to finish off with a bit of Psychobilly Fashion...
-Shocking Pink Satin Ribbon Bow with Skully Center By Kustom Voodoo -This little number features a big satin ribbon bow, with a skully detail at center.
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Enjoy your day!

~Danae aka 'Crafty'

All Dressed Up With Nowhere To Go

I just love me a sexy summer dress. There is nothing that makes me feel prettier than swishing out the door in a classy, little number, a pair of heels, my sunglasses on, and a great handbag to top it all off.
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I just had to share with you all, some of the latest dresses that I am drooling over. This particular batch of fashions are from Pin Up Girl Clothing. You can find them here.
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Enjoy!

-Retro Rockabilly Diner Dress in Olive Green from Heartbreaker -This classic diner dress looks sharp in a military olive green. From Heartbreaker Fashions.
-Jolene Dress in Red and Black Floral Pattern from Heartbreaker Fashion

-Gingham Swing Dress - The Daisy Dress in Black Gingham Poplin with Red Trim by Pinup Couture -The "Cutiepie" Dress in Black Sateen with Black and White Polka Dot Trim from Dixiefried -The Netti Dress in Red Asian Floral Poplin by Pinup Couture -Vintage Reproduction Dresses - The Dorothy Dress in Navy and Red by Pinup Couture -New Style Black Cherry Heidi Dress by Pinup Couture

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Now, if onlyI had somewhere to go....
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Someplace better than the market, the kid's school, or the park, I mean. The hazards of being a work at home Artist/Mom, I guess! Oh well.
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I also wanted to say a big Thank You! to all of you who have been so patient & kind untill I got back to blogging again! Thank You for your kind words and prayrs for my family.
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I had no idea that my little blogs would be missed. (I even won 2 blog awards on my other blog- Crafty's Cuppa Coffee- during my 2nd month of hiatus! Go figure.) As for me, I missed keeping up with all of my favorite blogs, as much as I missed writing my own. I hope to work back up to full speed (inhe Cyber World) again soon... and still find a way to keep my balance (in the Real World) lol :) .
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I hope that you all have a great day!
~Danae aka 'Crafty'

We All Need A Little Lucy In Our Day!

WE ALL LOVE LUCY!

I have had these sitting around for a post one day...and I had forotten about it! So, I figured today was as good a day as any. And NO- It's not her birthday...or her deathdate...nor is it her anniversary or any other 'special' day

-I just think that ANY DAY IS A GOOD DAY FOR A LITTLE LUCY! :)

Here are the standard Lucy stats:

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Lucille Ball

Birthdate: August 6, 1911

Birth Place: Jamestown, N.Y.

Death: April 26, 1989; Los Angeles, California;

burst aorta

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Key TV Programs:

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I Love Lucy, Lucy Ricardo, 180 episodes, 1951-1957, co-starring Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley

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The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Show, Lucy Ricardo, 13 episodes, 1957-1960, co-starring Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley

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The Lucy Show, Lucy Carmichael, 156 episodes, 1962-1968, co-starring Vivian Vance, and Gale Gordon

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Here’s Lucy, Lucy Carter, 144 episodes, 1968-1974, co-starring Gale Gordon, Lucie Arnaz, and Desi Arnaz, Jr.

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Life with Lucy, Lucy Barker, 13 episodes, five unaired, 1986, co-starring Gale Gordon

Have a great day! :)

~Danae~ aka 'Crafty'

Jelly Roll Hairsyle

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Hey Folks! This is a post that I published last year (2009)- but judging from how many of you keep flocking to this page/post- I figured that I would republish it here- that way it is easier to find, and next to other relavent material. Enjoy!

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR A

RETRO JELLY ROLL HAIRSTYLE

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This is a great versatile hairstyle as it can be worn for both casual and dressy occaisions. It can be parted in the middle or the side; and can be worn long and loose in the back, in a bun, twist, braids or a loose ponytail.

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Jelly Rolls are best created with what used to be called a “Middy” cut. Basically that is a haircut with the front sections that are 3-4 inches in length. A true “Middy” has a back section of about 4-5 inches; but this hairstyle can easily be worn with longer hair, as long as the hair is short enough in the front.

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It is best to start with 'day old dity' hair- as this provides the right amount of natural hair oils that help the hairs grip to each other. If you must star with clean hair- make sure that you add some mouse or setting lotion before you pin curl it, or blow dry, and curl it with hot rollers or a curling iron.

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It is possible to create Jelly Rolls with straight hair, but I find that pre-curling it gives it a nice amount of body and makes the finished look easier to acheive. Be sure to try it both ways- and get LOTS OF PRACTICE before attempting this look for a big event. *(Word to the wise!)
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***A NOTE ABOUT HAIR RATS***
A Hair Rat is a tubular roll that is used in place of back combing or “ratting” the hair. They can be made, or purchased. They can also be any desired size. I use this method because I do not like to rat my own hair, and for the firmness that it provides to the hair styles.

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I make mine in the same manner my Grandmother used in the 1940’s and 50’s. When I cut my hair, I collect the clean hair into a Ziploc baggie. When I am in need of fresh hair rats, (every week or two), I take the desired amount of hair and roll it in my hands until it forms a roll shape.

Then one can either use it as is, or wrap a hair net, or a piece of clean nylon pantyhose (the same color as your hair) around it.

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Using these keep the hair in place better, and I don’t need as much hairspray. (In fact, I have even gotten away without using any spray, times when I was all out!)

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SUPPLIES:
Paddle Hairbrush & Rat Tail Comb
Hairspray & Shine Serum
Several Bobby Pins & Rubber Bands
Hair net (Snood), Hair Flowers or Clips
Hair Rats (if desired)

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1) Start by parting the hair in the middle or on the side.
2) Then part the hair horizontally, from the back of the part, down to the ears.
3) Clip each section to keep it out of the way.
4) Take the first section, comb it out, and spray it lightly with hairspray and shine serum.
5) Holding the section of hair straight up and a little back, begin rolling the
Hair around your first two fingers, or a hair rat. Rolling all of the way down to the top of your head, creating the rolls the desired size.
6) Use the bobby pins to pin the rolls to the hair at the scalp. Make sure to catch the scalp hair in the pins, otherwise the rolls will not be secure. I like to criss cross my pins for added strength.
7) Lightly spray each finished roll.
8) Repeat procedure for each side.
9) Finish the back in the desired manner.
10) Add a hair flower, clip, or snood.

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If any of you readers attempt this style- I would love to see pictures! You can send them to me here.

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Thanks! Danae, aka 'Crafty'

A Little Retro Fashion Eye Candy

Bangin' hot fashions from the Babes at Baby Doll Boutique.
When it comes to fabulous retro reproductions, the hottest models & awesome pin up girl photography- Baby Doll Boutique leads the pack.
Here are some more pics from one of my very favorite retro reproduction clothing manufacturers.
Whether I am looking for retro fashions & accesories, makeup & hairstyles or inspiration for photography ideas- they never dissapoint.

Enjoy!

Vintage St. Paddy's Day Share

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Top Of The Mornin' To Ya!

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~ Happy Saint Patricks Day ~

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Heres a little somethin' for yee fair Lads and Lassies,

and a coupla days early too...

just so ya can get in a wee bit o' craftin' before the day arrives.

Enjoy!

~Danae aka 'Crafty'

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HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

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May your day be filled with love from all you hold dear.

~Danae, aka 'Crafty'

Vintage Valentine Share

Heres a double; since I missed yesterday.

Two cuties for you to enjoy!

Vintage Valentine Share

Adorable Vintage late 1920's Valentine Tags

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These little dolls could be used in so many ways.

Print & Cut out their images for use as is;

or for use in Altered Art projects.

You can fold them as Tags,

or even make Cupcake Toppers out of them.

A bit of glitter or some Liquid Pearl Paint* would be an awesome touch.

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However you decide to use them... Enjoy!

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~Danae aka 'Crafty'

Vintage Valentine Share

Marylin Monroe as a Valentine Cowgirl Pin-up!

Watch out Boyz...

she's got you in her sights!

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~Danae aka 'Crafty'

Vintage Valentine Share

Aaaw! How cute is this?!?

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Snow use-

I Love You

Valentine!

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This is a very early 1930's Valentine.

Enjoy!

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~Danae aka 'Crafty'

Vintage Valentine Share

Not strictly Valentine's per se...

but who can resist a little Hershey's Kiss?

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Especially a Vintage 1930's Hershey Ad.

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Such sweetness-

And calories not included!

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~Danae aka 'Crafty'

Vintage Valentine Share

Another beautifully gilded Victorian Era Valentine. *
The Poem says~
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Cupid broke my heart
and stole my love away
But gives it to you sweetheart
On St. Valentine's Day
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From me to you, to use freely in all your crafting pursuits.
Enjoy!
~Danae aka 'Crafty'

Vintage Valentine Share

This one is a bit older; it appears to be Victorian. For your Valentine's Day crafting enjoyment. Have Fun!
~Danae, aka 'Crafty'

Vintage Valentine Share

Is she not a doll, or what?!?

I think this is one of my favorites - so far!
~Enjoy, Danae aka 'Crafty'
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PS~ Be sure to check out my other blog
Crafty's Cuppa Coffee
this month, for other
Valentine's Day
fun ideas, crafts, recipies & love spells.

Vintage Freebie~ Another Adorable Paper Doll Girl

Well Friends, this is the last in the series of 3 paper dolls I had to share with you- for now anyways! (Isn't she a cutie?!?) I will definitely keep my eyes peeled for some more to share in the future. As with the others, just left click on the image to veiw and copy it in its full size. Print it out for traditional uses, or ue in your altered art projects.
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Enjoy!

Vintage Valentine Share

This Vintage Valentine appears to be circa 1930's.

Isn't he just adorable?!?

I sure think so.
Enjoy!

Vintage Valentine Share

This adorable Valentine appears to be circa late 1940's. Enjoy!

The Big 'Ol History Of Vintage Valentines Cards

I have a whole month's worth of fun vintage Valentine' Card images to share with you here on Crafty's Retro Fantasy. These are great fun just to look at, but you may also copy them for your own personal use.

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I found this extensive history of Vintage Valentine's Day Cards- and I thought that some of you may be interested. (NOTE: This is NOT the history of the holiday itself- merely a documentation of the Valentine's Day Greeting Card History.) However, I do plan on doing a post about the historical roots of the modern holiday and it's earlier Pagan predecesors. If anyone is interested, I will be posting that on my other blog- Crafty's Cuppa Coffee. There will also be plenty of other fun Valentine's Day & Love related material there as well; such as crafts, love spells and recipies. So feel free to follow the link and visit me there.~Danae, aka 'Crafty'

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European Valentine's Day History
A young Frenchman, Charles, Duke of Orleans, was one of the earliest creators of Valentines, called "poetical or amorous addresses." From his confinement in the Tower of London after the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, he sent several poems or rhymed love letters or "valentines" to his wife in France. During the fifteenth century, one valentine showed a drawing of a knight and a lady, with Cupid in the act of sending an arrow to pierce the knight's heart. During the seventeenth century people made their own valentines using original verse or poems copied from booklets with appropriate verse.

The English attitude toward St. Valentine's Day in the middle of the eighteenth century is summed up in this verse printed in Poor Robin's Almanac in 1757: This month bright Phoebus enters Pisces, The maids will have good store of kisses, For always when the fun comes there, Valentine's Day is drawing near, And both the men and maids incline To chuse them each a Valentine; And if a man gets one he loves, He gives her first a pair of gloves; And, by the way, remember this, To seal the favour with a kiss. This kiss begets more love, and then That love begets a kiss again, Until this trade the man doth catch, And then he doth propose the match, The woman's willing, tho' she's shy, She gives the man this soft reply,"I'll not resolve one thing or other, Until I first consult my mother. "When she says so, 'tis half a grant, And may be taken for consent. Turtle Doves and Love Birds "Oft have I heard both youth and virgin sayBirds choose their mates, and couples too, this day; But by their flight I never can divine, When I shall couple with my Valentine. "Herrick It was thought that birds chose their mate for the year on February 14. Doves and pigeons mate for life and therefore were used as a symbol of "fidelity."

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The first commercial valentine appeared circa 1800 and were rather simplistic. But by the 1830's and 1840's Valentines contained delicate and artistic messages. Valentines made of fine papers and decorated with satin, ribbon, or lace commanded high prices. They had pictures of turtledoves, lovers' knots in gold or silver, bow and arrows, cupids, and bleeding hearts. All of these symbols have become associated with love and lovers.

In the 1840's the first mechanical valentines were introduced. By pulling a tab, a figure or object on the card could be made to move. Some had elaborate honeycomb pop-outs or various other three-dimensional features. In the 1840's messages on early valentines included: "Love" "I fondly, truly love thee." "Love protects" "My orb of day departs with thee." I love thee! Oh! I love thee! Dearer art thou than life. I love thee! I love thee! Say, wilt thou be my wife?" 'This Valentine's Day, to the church let's away; No longer I'll wait, let us marry. You promised, dear maid, that you would be mine, If I, till today, would tarry.

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American Valentines
American valentines began to grow with the import from England of valentine "writers." A writer was a booklet containing a vast array of verses and messages which could be copied onto gilt-edged letter paper or other decorative sheets. One popular writer contained not only "be my valentine" typeverses for men to send, but also acceptance or "answers" which women could return. Here is an example: Valentine A short time since I danc'd with you, And from that hour lov'd you true; Your pleasing form, your charming air, Might with a fabl'd grace compare; Your accents, so melodious sweet, Still on my ear does seem to beat; And 'tis the first wish of my life, To win my Delia for a wife; Deign, my sweet maid, a line to send, And may love's saint my plea defend. Answer Your Valentine is very kind, Nor did a cool reception find; Your company gave me delight, When I danced with you t'other night; Then mutually we did incline, Our hearts to love, my Valentine.

From then on, Valentines became less artistic and overornamented. During the Gay Nineties they were adorned with garish spun glass, mother-of-pearl, imitation jewels, or silk fringe. Proof of the less attractive, cheap-lookingvalentine is seen in the "vinegar valentine." John McLaughlin, a New York printer, created these comic valentines that were printed on cheap paper in crude colors. His messages made fun of old maids, teachers, and others. Comic designs done in 1870 by the American cartoonist Charles Howard were called "penny dreadfuls"--a perfect name for them because they sold for a penny and the designs were dreadful.

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The first U.S. made valentines were crafted by a Mount Holyoke College student, Miss Esther Howland. Her father, a stationer in Worcester, MA, imported valentines every year from England. Esther, however, decided to create her own valentine messages. Around 1830 she began importing lace, fine papers, and other supplies for her valentines. She employed several assistants and her brothers helped market her "Worcester" valentines. As one of our first successful U.S. career women her sales amounted to about a hundred thousand dollars annually--not bad for the 1830's.

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In our century we've seen a change from the heavy sentimentality of earlier days to what can best be described as a light touch. Nowadays a valentine usually accompanies a more elaborate gift of candy, flowers, perfume, etc. American school children usually celebrate St. Valentine's Day with a party at school. Prior to the party the children make a decorated box with a slot in the top. During the party the children distribute valentines to their classmates' Valentine's Box. Valentine cards are manufactured on an enormous scale today that range from the sentimental to sophisticated to humous valentines. There is a valentine for everyone--sweetheart, spouse, children, parents, teacher and even your pet! In terms of the number of greeting cards sent, Valentine's Day ranks second only to Christmas.